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Is anyone familiar with what goes on inside a slip ring? Is the rotor floating on the brushes or is it suspended by a deep groove ball-bearing? If so I would be able to use it to support a small amount of radial load, avoiding the need for another external bearing.

I'm specifically looking at through-bore slip rings. Haven't been able to get hold of any manufacturers... They are not responding to my emails/calls. Some example parts below.

http://www.ingiant.cn/product/dxzljq/2020/0313/1358.html

https://slip-ring.com/product/id12-7mm-12-channel-10a/

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  • \$\begingroup\$ what difference would it make to your design? \$\endgroup\$
    – jsotola
    Oct 21, 2021 at 19:24
  • \$\begingroup\$ I want to know if I can use it to support a small amount of radial load. I will state that in the question \$\endgroup\$
    – BenG
    Oct 21, 2021 at 19:25
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    \$\begingroup\$ if the datasheet does not specify mechanical properties of the device, then don't count on it ... also, the device is too expensive to be used as a bearing \$\endgroup\$
    – jsotola
    Oct 21, 2021 at 19:29
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    \$\begingroup\$ Generally slip rings are not rated to support any weight other than itself. \$\endgroup\$
    – Wesley Lee
    Oct 21, 2021 at 19:34
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    \$\begingroup\$ @KyleB whatever type of bearing is in there, if it is a bearing, will be capable of withstanding a small amount of radial load. If it was axial load or moment load it would be a different story, of course. Stack exchange is cheaper ;) \$\endgroup\$
    – BenG
    Oct 22, 2021 at 2:16

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The bearings in the slip ring assembly are only for its own purpose within the assembly. They’re not meant to take axial or radial loading.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ My question was whether or not it has a bearing inside it. Either its a bearing, a bushing, or it's just literally floating on the brushes which could be spring loaded. If it's a bearing, it will serve my purpose. All bearings are capable of some level of radial loading. (I'm talking ~12 lbs). If the slip ring has a bearing inside, the purpose of this bearing is to take radial load while permitting rotation, so I'm not sure your answer makes sense. \$\endgroup\$
    – BenG
    Oct 22, 2021 at 2:19
  • \$\begingroup\$ That’s the point - even with a bearing, it’s not going to ‘serve your purpose’. The life of the slip ring will be short if it’s subjected to a load it’s not designed for. \$\endgroup\$
    – hacktastical
    Oct 22, 2021 at 3:24

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